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The independent review was commissioned by the UK Government to look at ways to increase the number of women in senior positions in FTSE 350 companies. It set out recommendations to increase female leadership and board representation, and noted improvements in recent years.

However it added that a "step change is needed in pace".

On board membership, it found that progress had slowed in 2016 before picking up again slightly in 2017. Around one in four FTSE 100 board members are women, with a target of one in three set for 2020.

"The Hampton-Alexander Review highlights some clear improvements made in boardroom gender equality in recent years," Sturgeon said."While welcome, these changes are not nearly enough."

She added: "This year, which marks the centenary of woman's suffrage in the UK, is an opportunity to inject new momentum into improving female representation - not simply at board level, but across the economy as a whole.

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"As a result of the wide-ranging debate on inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment against women, there is rightly more scrutiny on equality in the workplace than ever before. There is also increased transparency about board appointments and pay.

"Public tolerance of gender inequality has never been lower. And the reputational damage to organisations that are too slow to make change - be they businesses, political parties or others - has never been higher.

"Many companies now realise that more equal representation in the boardroom, and in senior positions, improves businesses and benefits the bottom line. Crucially, it is an important step in achieving gender equality across society, as we work together to create a fairer and more prosperous Scotland."